Virginia's Budget Shortfall, What Your Elected Officials Think

Lower-than-expected income and sales tax revenue left Virginia mulling a roughly $1.5 billion budget shortfall less than two weeks ago — how will the state address the discrepancy? Increasing government efficiency could be a start, local lawmakers say.

“We need to be very careful about how we’re spending money,” said Del. Richard P. "Dickie" Bell, R-Staunton.

There are some government agencies that are "top-heavy" and his choice would be to examine those workforces and make cuts where necessary, he said.